Benign and less frequently malignant tumors can form in the larynx. The most common are laryngeal fibromas, papillomas, and cysts.
Causes
The causes of neoplasms can be congenital and acquired. Congenital causes include genetic predisposition and infections contracted by the mother during pregnancy, medication intake, or radiation exposure that negatively affected the fetus. Acquired causes include immune system disorders and viral infections, chronic inflammation of the nasopharynx, prolonged exposure to harmful substances in the respiratory tract, endocrine disorders, and vocal cord overload.
Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal fibromas at the initial stage cause minor difficulties in breathing through the nose and a tickling sensation. Later, breathing is obstructed on one side of the nose and partially on the other side, the voice becomes nasal, and bleeding may occur periodically. The main symptom of papilloma is hoarseness in the voice, up to its complete disappearance, increasing difficulties in breathing that can gradually lead to suffocation. Cysts most often develop without any symptoms.
Diagnosis of Laryngeal Cancer in Israel
Benign neoplasms that do not have symptoms in the early stage may be accidentally discovered during an examination by an otolaryngologist. To make an accurate diagnosis of the tumor, microlaryngoscopy is used in Israel, which provides a detailed view of the appearance of the formation. After removal, a histological examination of the tumor is conducted. Some patients are prescribed endoscopic biopsy as indicated. Voice function is checked using phonography and stroboscopy. The extent of tumor spread can be shown by CT, MRI, ultrasound, or X-ray.
Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer in Israel
Due to the fact that benign tumors affect the ability to breathe and the patient's voice, surgical treatment of these conditions is performed in Israel. Small polyps, fibromas, and papillomas are removed using endoscopy. Small cysts are removed by excising them along with their capsule. A large cyst is punctured before excision to extract the fluid, and after removal, cryoablation is performed at the site of localization to prevent recurrence. For preventive purposes, special attention should be paid to personal hygiene, as well as regular check-ups with a doctor for individuals suffering from chronic nasopharyngeal diseases, those working in industries exposed to harmful substances, and long-term smokers.
Partial and Total Laryngectomy
Partial and total laryngectomy (laryngectomy) is a surgical operation in which the doctor partially or completely removes the larynx and surrounding tissues. Israeli surgeons, possessing high professionalism and many years of experience in performing laryngeal surgeries, successfully carry out such interventions for various laryngeal diseases. Indications for partial or total laryngectomy include severe neck injuries, tissue necrosis after radiation, and laryngeal cancer. Depending on the stage of the malignant process and the extent of damage, Israeli doctors perform various types of surgical treatment. The operation to remove only the vocal cords (cordectomy) can be performed using laser technologies, making the process more gentle and safe. If half of the larynx needs to be removed, hemilaryngectomy is performed. In such an operation, the patient retains their speech function. If the tumor has affected the upper part of the larynx, a supraglottic laryngectomy is performed. In advanced and extensive stages of cancer, Israeli surgeons are forced to perform total laryngectomy. The operation lasts from 5 to 9 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. This surgical intervention involves the removal of the entire larynx and the creation of a special opening in the trachea through which the patient can breathe. Later, during a reconstructive operation in the tracheoesophageal puncture, the surgeon will install a special prosthesis for the vocal cords. Total laryngectomy will radically affect the patient's speech, respiratory function, and ability to swallow. After the operation, the patient will need to adapt to new ways of performing these life functions.